Western Power Distribution pilots mental wellbeing training

Leading electricity provider Western Power Distribution (WPD) is launching a pilot programme designed to further support the mental wellbeing of its staff.

The electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South-West England and South Wales has appointed energy and utilities specialist Develop Training (DTL) to deliver a bespoke programme.

Clive Lawrence-Forbes, DTL’s Head of Corporate Management Development, said: “WPD staff deal with the day-to-day stresses that affect many workers in today’s hectic world, like incoming emails and telephone calls, while also operating and maintaining a safe and reliable electricity network for around 8m people. It’s a job that carries many responsibilities.”

The new training programme, which will initially be delivered to 36 people this spring, has a range of objectives, including understanding mental toughness and resilience and the benefits of developing those attributes. It will also teach staff stress management strategies and how to recognise physical and psychological responses to stress.

Carl Ketley-Lowe, WPD’s Trainee Development Manager, said: “Our people are vital to our operation and we want them to stay fit and healthy. Good mental health is important to all of us and we always strive to find ways to best support our staff.”

DTL has delivered a number of successful training programmes for WPD including a leadership and management programme and a behavioural customer service programme for 5,500+ staff. It has also produced a white paper on behavioural customer service, which is free to download at www.developtraining.co.uk.